Pedro Acevedo

Managing Editor

Mississippi University for Women is hosting its annual International Series events which this year will feature speakers, demonstrations and workshops focused on the diversity and culture of Spain.

The 2015 edition began on Monday with the program “When Speaking of Spanish, Expect the Unexpected,” a discussion on the linguistic diversity in Spain. The event was led by Erinn Holloway, instructor of Spanish at MUW, and Dr. Thomas Longton, a retired associate professor of Spanish at the university.

The series will continue on Feb. 24 with a flamenco dance performance and workshop in Cochran Hall taught by Helena Longmire, a native of Spain and long-time resident of the Golden Triangle.

The last two events will feature Dr. Michael Boyd and Dr. Blanca Simmons-Diez. Boyd, a recording artist and professor of guitar, will present a lecture-recital focusing on the history of the guitar in Spain and its development over the last century. Simmons-Diez, a MUW instructor of biology, will discuss her experiences as a resident of Madrid and how to enjoy the city like a true local. The presentations will take place on March 17 in Poindexter Hall and on April 13 in Martin Hall, respectively. All events will begin at 7 p.m. on the W’s campus.

Dr. Kim Whitehead, assistant professor of English and religion and one of the organizers of the series, said that this year’s series commemorates Dr. Longton’s career at MUW.

“We wanted to dedicate this entire series to him,” Whitehead said. “Dr. Longton taught here for over 24 years, and this is our way to say goodbye.”

The series is cosponsored by the W’s Department of Languages, Literature, and Philosophy and the College of Nursing and Speech-Language Pathology. The Zeta Rho chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International is also providing assistance for the events.

For details or more information, email kmwhitehead@muw.edu or dymiranda@muw.edu or visit the series’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/MUW-International-Series-2015-Spain.